System, apparatus and method for two-way transport of data over a single fiber strand

ABSTRACT

The systems, apparatuses and methods of the present invention set forth improvements to the problems of the current pairing or duplex paradigm, resulting in a dramatic increase in fiber transmission efficiency, accomplished explicitly by restructuring presently-aligned C-Band wavelengths into innovative DWDM transmit and receive formats, and through implementing photonic-wave changes, which directs Ethernet data flow onto new path adaptations. These improvements could reduce line haul expenses significantly, believed to reach a projected 50% less requirement/deployment of fiber strands. This saving would offer owner-operators substantial fiber strand cost reductions, affecting transportation rates of high-bandwidth digital payloads traversing over DWDM networks, and lower usage rates of cross-connections amid multiple equipment inter-exchanging throughout large data centers.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS

This Application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/843,048, filed Dec. 15, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,469,169, issuedNov. 5, 2019; a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/209,572, filed Jul. 13, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,847,838, issuedDec. 19, 2017; and claims the benefit of priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 62/191,570, filed Jul. 13, 2015, allentitled “SYSTEM, APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TWO-WAY TRANSPORT OF DATAOVER A SINGLE FIBER STRAND,” the disclosures of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to and makes improvements to opticalDense Wave Division Multiplex (DWDM) wavelength transmission andmanagement systems, improvements, which significantly lower Ethernet,Internet Protocol (IP) transmission and data center interconnectioncosts. More generally, the present invention relates to an improvedoptical Dense Wave Division Multiplex (DWDM) communications system,device, apparatus and methodology, which employs a new one strand fiberand management system, for transmission and reception of full timeoperation of two-way data communications, including video, Voice-over-IP(VoIP) with voice, data and Internet payloads, all networked on a singlefiber strand and at low to multi-gigabit and higher transmission rates.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The transmission of data across fiber optic cables is known. However,all prior art systems, particularly those for high data transmission,have separate pathways to receive and transmit data so that the twostreams do not intersect and interfere with one another. Enormousindustries and standards have developed to service the needs of theUnited States and the world in this regard with countless thousands ofmiles of cable laid with pairs of fiber wire strands. The presentinvention sets forth alternatives to the existing telecommunicationsparadigm, offering considerable advantages and cost savings.

As set forth in detail hereinbelow, the various embodiments of thepresent invention leverage the communications industry's Institute ofElectrical and Electronics Engineers/International TelecommunicationUnion (IEEE/ITU) standards for designing and operating Dense WaveDivision Multiplex (DWDM) systems over fiber optic cables dedicated fortransporting Ethernet and Internet Protocol (IP) signals in medium tovery large gigabit sized payload bandwidths. With regard to the priorart, the overall worldwide communications industry has achieved, duringa very short time, considerable improvements in expanding optical linkgrowth to meet incredible demands of multi-gigabit Ethernet transportedbandwidths over multitudes of outside plant constructions projects,using fiber optic cable structures encapsulated with bundles of pairedglass fiber strands. Fiber cable deployments have dramatically increasedin ever-greater numbers, adding higher capacities of fiber strandsspanning across the Continental United States and the populatedterritories of virtually every technologically advanced nation.

As is known in the art, fiber cable deployments are generallyimplemented using combinations of one or two methods, either throughconstruction of aerial attachments onto utility poles or through directcable burials along public and private land right-of-ways below earthlevel with implementations completed for large projects beingconstructed mostly within densely populated areas. Principally, fibercables may be made of small, medium or very large bundles of glassfibers, called fiber strands, covered over by a tough outer protectivenon-metallic plastic layer called the fiber cable sheath. Inside, eachindividual fiber strand is arranged within a standard color order ofidentifiable groups of fibers placed into protective buffer tubes placedinto strict coded separation. During installation, fiber strands arefused end to end along the fiber route under construction, makingphysical connections using a joint method called splicing or bonding ofstrand ends of fibers to extend cable span distances. As discussed, ingeneral practice in the communications industry, fibers selected forapplications in communications networks are grouped into two fiberstrands called fiber pairs for transporting content in full two-way DWDMcommunications called fiber payloads via the aforementioned pairing orduplex paradigm.

Additionally, higher quantities of fiber deployments are completed inthe U.S. within higher growth regions of metropolitan expanses, withcross-country long haul cable networks linking together large regionalareas throughout the U.S. territories. Un-lit fiber strands having noequipment attachments are known as “Dark Fiber” strands or spareunassigned strands, whereas lit fiber strands may comprise light-wavelaser equipment, entitled the aforementioned Dense Wave DivisionMultiplex or DWDM. As is understood, DWDM equipment is typicallyprovisioned to power one fiber strand, using a single laser or multiplesof laser generated light sources aligned in specific wavelength orderapplied by means of photonic laser powered sources with each beingtransmitted down individual strands of fiber. One or multiples of laserlight waves are input into the end of one fiber stand and output the farend opposite fiber strand having traveled long distances, such asapproximately eighty kilometers, i.e., the span of light drivendistance. It is generally understood that laser-generated light sourcesoffer greater fiber length opportunities, where considerable operatingdistances may be achieved using laser sourced light wave in form ofoptical light booster amplifiers called optical repeaters applied onlonger fiber routes known as fiber spans. As is understood in the art,these optical gain devices require payload signal breakout access to thefiber pair strand at a physical location point of presence (POP) inorder to regenerate the lightwave signal or reach the ultimate user,such as a consumer.

High bandwidth communications links of today's networks are establishedfrom two identifiable ends of a fiber link, usually within thecommunications company POP-provided operating premise and a far endopposite destination location where a customer is served. Typical namesfor the client's end (for identity purposes) are designated in theindustry as “A” Communications Company premise, and a “Z” premise, orClient Premise Equipment (CPE) or far end location or client's POP.Thus, a transmission fiber link may spn from A to Z.

In considering the historical fiber background of several years of fiberdeployments, the communications industry has long conformed with aworldwide and significant IEEE and International Telecommunication Union(ITU) DWDM networking standard structured by selected standards body ofknowledgeable staff persons being engaged with highly-experiencedcommunications operating companies, manufacturers, engineering firms andconsultants who all together, derive and maintain IEEE and ITU systemspecifications. The IEEE and ITU Standards are known worldwide for theirindustry posture of ground rules and generally followed for deployment,while abiding by strict open architectures of applicable standards fornetworking photonic wavelength assignments transmitted over pairedtwo-fiber strands transferring intelligent digital data end to endbetween two points, previously identified as the aforementioned “A andZ” designated premises.

In particular, these two-way data transmissions were most alwaysdeployed as one fiber strand per each direction of transmission, i.e., Ato Z and Z to A assigned for transport services, as per the industryoperational specifications. Communications manufacturers providing theequipment and network operators deploying and operating DWDM networksstrictly adhere to the aforesaid IEEE and ITU standard practices oftransmitting DWDM wavelengths along fiber paths, which distributenetwork intelligent data content such as internet, VoIP voice, data andwhich oftentimes includes convergence of video payloads of datatransmitted and received using two fiber strands. One single fiberstrand is thus assigned to transport data per each direction oftransmission, each being independent DWDM assigned fiber strandstransporting separate payloads transmitted either A to Z or Z to Aforming separate POP directions. In this case, two distinct DWDMpayloads would in most networks be assigned two fiber strands fornetworking Multi-Gigabit delivery type systems, the aforementionedpairing or duplex paradigm prevalent today.

There exist a few networks in local short haul transport point-to-pointlinks, but the only lower bandwidth systems that have applied a onefiber strand system do this by means of assigning a different lambdaoperating wavelength at opposite ends for example, e.g., 1550 nanometersand 1310 nanometers, respectively. Thus, in this narrow fashion twowavelengths are transmitted in two directions of transmission usuallyfor a single strand having 1.0 Gigabit/s or lower data rates of 100Megabits per fiber strand in rural or local metropolitan distributionsystems, all done on a short dedicated fiber.

In this single fiber strand system, however, many applied payloadapplications have a higher level of light wave complexity and containindividual micron-size Dense Wave Division Multiplexing (DWDM) signalwavelengths, which are generated at very precise lambda wavelength andbandwidth settings in order to properly operate, making the single fiberstrand usage approach impossible. Accordingly, these systems usually usetwo fiber strands and only operate over short haul fiber links at datarates of 10 Gbits, 40 Gbits, 100 Gbits and 200 Gbits. These wavelengthsare available in DWDM standard wavelength channels published under theaforementioned IEEE/ITU established Standards. Both are relativelysimilar published documents and standards, which specify that bothtransmit and receive DWDM data networks be transmitted and received onsingle mode fiber, be transmitted in full two-way directions using onefiber pair, and having one fiber strand per each transmission directionas previously stated. In other words, these systems, to operate properlyand effectively, require two fiber strands for transmitting full two-wayDWDM signals.

Applicant has found that all current manufacturers of DWDM equipmentoffer fiber interfaces that require the use of full two-way fibers anddual fiber attachments, as do the manufacturers of optical small formfactor laser transmit and receive devices, called enhanced smallform-factor pluggable (SFP⁺) light wave transceiver modules. Consideringthe aforedescribed past historical background, the rather simpletwo-fiber strand paradigm of transmission has a long history ofdeployment throughout the worldwide communications industry, withvarious hardware devices integrating user payload data multiplexed ontolaser generated light waves generally operated at lower speeds of 1.0Gigabit or less fiber line rate. For example, these low data rates weredeployed at much lower density fiber network line rates introduced amongMetro Channels and Long Haul cross country DWDM networks.

In another example, during the earlier days of Sonnet deployments,formatted Time Division Multiplex (TDM) signals were used to transportInternet content and user Internet payload signals along worldwide DWDMbackbone routes. These systems operated at much lower speed transportingbandwidths, which overlay the Sonnet formats from 1.0 megabits to 2.5Gigabits with 10 Mbit/s being the maximum TDM (Sonnet) formats. Thesevery low transport speeds are in sharp comparison to current availablerates of 10 Gigabits, 40 Gigabits, 100 Gigabits and upwards to 400Gigabits transmission rates available by today's Ethernet and IP Datarates over DWDM. These early low-to-medium speed data links were setupby assigning Ethernet packetized data bits onto Time Division Multiplexframes containing encoded data bits and placed upon a single mode fiberstrand using single end point connections originating at a POP “A”,location data packets directed to travel in two different directionsalong two fixed fiber photonic injected light wave signals onto fiberstrands reaching out to a second distant end location identified as “Z”optical end or premise POP.

A few years ago, the networking of high speed signals were deployed onfiber cables transporting SONNET at standard Optical Carrier-48 (OC-48),and 2.5 Gigabit rates were thought of as being very high speed networks.These cables were made of physical fiber glass strands, forming a solidtransmission span extending through a two-fiber-strand interface at bothend points, data content arriving after interoperating across intra-sitespans and sometimes through hardware repeater optical amplifiers foramplification of data bits maintained the use of two fiber strands,delivering full two-way “east to west” and “west to east” directionaltransport as two independent sources of intelligent data bit content.Light wave signals transporting a payload of data bits were insertedinto the aforedescribed TDM frames to be exchanged from one end toanother end point using predefined SONNET protocols controllingintelligent data formats. These formatted frames represented theconvergence of video, digital voice, data bits and Internet placed intoa SONNET format typically originated from a single “A” location premiselocated transmit lambda signal as transmit data bits output carried intransmitted to a distant designated “Z” located premise where the databits were received as input signal by way of lambda signals input toeach end receiver.

Fiber transmission of Ethernet framed data was considered a greatadvancement during this time period and this technology brought aboutmuch improvement over analog or the aforementioned Time DivisionMultiplexing (TDM) Sonnet transmission systems. For example, a T1operated as a lower speed transport system, was the carrier type ofchoice, and most often deployed prior to the Ethernet using long haulstandards advanced in earlier transmission trials. Also, fiber opticswere introduced in Time Division Multiplexing systems using T1, DigitalSignal 3 (DS3), OC-3, OC-12, OC-48 and finally OC-192 formats. Many ofthese systems remain operating worldwide today, and all known systemscontinue to employ the aforesaid two-fiber-strand means for transmissionexchange of data.

As noted in this long history of the industry's continuous deployment ofthe two-fiber-strand standard across different technologies and newsystems deployments for transmissions of earlier high speed data, thesesame two-fiber transport concepts or paradigms have remained constantover a long span of time, even when the costs of transport using twofibers remains expensive, i.e., costing twice that of a single strandapplication. Indeed, the two-fiber transport paradigms and methods havebeen in use over many years and remain the standard methodology fortransport, even though the Standards Body for Ethernet upgrades haveachieved higher digital transmission rates principally accomplished withDWDM formats advanced transport rates. Furthermore, the IEEE and ITUstandards groups have not specified that a single fiber strand operationat these Ethernet higher bandwidths and transmission rates would bepreferable. Since systems are under development that will soon reachterabit bandwidths, there is a strong need for new technologies, such asset forth in the present invention, to address these ever-increasingtechnological demands in a more cost-effective manner.

By way of further background, the assignment and use of photonictransport sources are governed by established industry standard formatsapplying encoded data bits and bytes in compliance with hierarchysignals which conform to established industry standards for the datatransmission. These include combined formats of Digital Video Signals,Digital Voice (VoIP) signals with High Speed Data-delivering Internetsignals converged into data-formatted packets and framed to Ethernetsignal formats for Digital Data Transport and distributed Networks,delivering millions of intelligent data bits and bytes of digital datacontent, called triple play contents. Content Data in the form ofdigital data bits and bytes are transported or moved from one end pointto another at very high data rate speeds, typically moved inside laserlighted fiber strands at high transport speeds of light transmitted insingle fiber strands per fiber route direction with networking bandwidthcapacities ranging in low rates and capacity from 100's to 1,000's ofMegabits/s and backbone fiber line rates typically reaching 1.0Gigabit/s and greater, and also reaching to 400 Gigabit/s bandwidthscarrying higher DWDM channel counts for transport bandwidth capacity pereach deployed light wave or lambda encoded signal and each beingreferenced in time measured rate.

However, user demands for higher bandwidths continue to increase, andeconomic resources to network even greater amounts of wideband data fordistribution are being distributed among customer premises. Today'smarket can be characterized as large and growing in demand for evenhigher bandwidths and is driven by the advancement of Ethernetconvergence of Video, Voice and Data services, especially streamingvideo content. The U.S. Government, State and Local Counties andMunicipalities rely upon large capacity links. Many countries and citiesacross the world are under considerable stress from their constituentsto support expansions of broadband networks to businesses and homes atequivalent bandwidths reaching Internet speeds provided in theirworkplace. Indeed, wideband services transporting Internet, Data, VoIP(voice) and Video have become a driving force for economic reasons inthe United States (and elsewhere) as higher rate broadband delivery arebeing adopted and or targeted to replace the slower speed Internetdelivery systems serving both homes and businesses. Demand for evenhigher bandwidths transported at multi-gigabit rates especially inMetropolitan and nearby surrounding countryside fiber networks willremain high for many years into the future, and will be driven bybandwidth verses costs per megabits delivery, where the increases of theconsumer demands can only become greater over time.

In view of the substantial technological challenges to meet the societaldemands and the current demands for fiber strand communications paradigmin existing thought, the present invention is directed to a solutionthat breaks the physical constraints of existing systems, offering animproved paradigm of operation. In particular, the employment of a onefiber strand transport, when deployed in fiber networks, will alleviatesome of the aforesaid bottlenecks existing among many fiber routes,especially where fiber cable strand counts in metropolitan distributionroutes are not linear in capacity and within many older fiber backboneroutes.

In particular, by immediately improving the capacity of these datalinksby a potential 50% gain in transport capacities, without experiencingadditional massive financial expenses of deploying new fiber cables,content distribution operators and fiber cable owners would welcome theadvancement.

OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

In view of the various bottlenecks and limitations of existing prior arttechnologies, it is an objective of the present invention to provide anew and improved optical transport with automated management systemdelivering at least a 50% costs savings over applying the more standardDWDM Ethernet/IP communications systems. Various additional andnon-exclusive objectives of the present inventions are set forthhereinbelow. It should, of course, be understood that many otherobjectives are contemplated by the advances of the present invention,and discussed further hereinbelow.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide amanaged optical telecommunications system that doubles the transportcapacity over existing systems through employment of a single fiberstrand for two-way metro and long haul data communications.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a managed DWDMoptical wave system, with a reduced number of fiber strands required formultiplexing various high broadband payloads on the same opticaltransmission path and de-multiplexing various payloads over same singlefiber strand along the signal transmission path.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a managedoptical telecommunications system that effectively doubles the fibertransport capacity through application over a single fiber strand fordelivery of data rates operating at 10 Gbit/s, 40 Gbit/s, 100 Gbit/s 400Gbit/s and beyond.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide asimplified means of, separately and individually, optically insertingand dropping a portion of the optical payload in an optical transmissionpath using a single fiber transport system for full two-way networking.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a DWDMnetworking system, which will provide no loss of wavelength spacingbetween DWDM channels, and without loss of usable optical bandwidthtransported across the network using a single fiber strand.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an opticalDWDM/Internet Protocol (IP) network, wherein the spacing between opticalwavelength generators remains in compliance with standard DWDM publishedwavelengths, and integrated apart in one SFP+ encasement withoutinterference and transmitting two separate DWDM wavelength signalshaving separate wavelength set apart to drive modulation of two separateDWDM Channels.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an opticalDWDM/IP network, wherein the spacing between optical wavelengthreceivers remains the same or substantially the same as standard DWDMIEEE and ITU published wavelengths and integrated apart in one SFP+encasement without interference, and receiving two separate DWDMwavelength signals each having separate wavelengths set apart to receivemodulation of two separate DWDM Channels, and maintain their receivedsignals apart as two separate payload signals.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide anoptical DWDM/IP network, wherein the DWDM optical wavelength generatorsand optical DWDM receivers discussed above remain the same as standardDWDM IEEE/ITU published wavelengths and integrated within one SFP+encasement, avoiding or minimizing the disadvantages of IEEE/ITUpublished two-fiber-strand systems discussed above with respect tovarious prior techniques and where optical paths, such as single opticalfibers offering more utility than simply serving as dumb fiber links.

It is still another object of the present invention to offset or deferthe need to install new cable facilities in fiber strand-depleted cablesections, where fiber capacity have been exhausted throughoversubscribing strand assignments to other networks, being expanded intransport capacity by deployment of the improved systems of the presentinvention, which relieve span congestion by up to about 50% per eachdeployment.

It is further object of the present invention to provide employment ofmultiple and preferably economical transport of Ethernet Data formed tomeet Dense Wave Division Multiplexing (DWDM) and more efficient datacenter cross-connects, allowing deployment of one fiber strandcross-connections, without need to convert metropolitan and long haulnetworks that can employ one strand of fiber for full two-waytransmission of high speed and high bandwidth delivery being networkedaross data centers.

In addition to achieving improved economical carrier sources, furtheruse of additional aspects of the instant invention are contemplated,including smart drop-insert configurations of DWDM payload networking,and extensions of long fiber deployments creating a methodology fortransporting high speed data between points, identified as “A” end and“Z” end at a savings reaching fifty percent fiber use reduction oversections of high density existing in today's DWDM deployed networks.

Additionally, the present invention preferably provides elementsemployed to produce and operate different packaged forms of thebelow-described aggrandizing systems, including, but not limited to,fiber end terminals and long haul amplified lines and transport networkscontaining repeaters, fiber optic amplifiers and optical wavelengthswitches and Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs) wirelessnetworks and radiofrequency (RF) microwave equipment and coherenttransport network interfaces.

These and other objectives are met by systems, devices, apparatuses andmethods that employ the improved paradigm of the present invention,which solves numerous problems posed by the existing pairing or duplexmode or paradigm of operation.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

There is an increasing need for techniques for increasing datathroughput across existing telecommunications systems.

The demands for an improved technique echo across the entire worldwidecommunications industry for greater achievements of economical return oninvestments, and concerns lately over the availability of excess fibercapacity in the ground, especially for the transportation andinterexchange of Ethernet payloads. This is especially the position forthe higher data rate payloads moving over the world's high bandwidthsystems driven by network owners who constantly face unsteady marketcompetition. Owners and operators of wideband data networks arecompelled to consider every reasonable means of reducing operatingcosts, including the requirement to maintain a high quality of service(QoS) network. Thus, making any significant cost reductions in line haulexpenses would receive favorable market consideration, especially iffiber driven efficiency, which per the tools of the instant invention isobtainable by means of opting for change of DWDM technology usingtraditionally applied standard policies towards the restructuring ofDWDM wavelengths.

The systems, apparatuses and methods of the present invention set forthimprovements to the problems of the current pairing or duplex paradigm,resulting in a dramatic increase in fiber transmission efficiency,accomplished explicitly by restructuring presently-aligned C-Bandwavelengths into innovative DWDM transmit and receive formats, andthrough implementing photonic-wave changes, which directs Ethernet dataflow onto new path adaptations. These improvements could reduce linehaul expenses significantly, believed to reach a projected 50% lessrequirement/deployment of fiber strands. This saving would offerowner-operators substantial fiber strand cost reductions, affectingtransportation rates of high-bandwidth digital payloads traversing overDWDM networks, and lower usage rates of cross-connections amid multipleequipment inter-exchanging throughout large data centers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While this Specification concludes with claims particularly pointing outembodiments and distinctly claiming the subject matter that is regardedas forming the present invention, it is believed that the invention willbe better understood from the following Description taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying Drawings, where like reference numerals designatelike system signal flow and other mechanical elements, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a representative embodiment view of prior art configurationemploying a two-fiber strand system operating on Sonnet Terminals end toend;

FIG. 2A illustrates, in schematic format, a Dense Wave DivisionMultiplex (DWDM) system with an aggrandizer internetworking with areconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexer (ROADM), and a tunableoptical add/drop module (TOADM), according to a first embodiment of thepresent invention, with components thereof further described in FIGS.2B, 2C, 2D and 2E;

FIG. 2B illustrates, in schematic format, a component of the DWDM systemdescribed in FIG. 2A, including an aggrandizer terminal;

FIG. 2C illustrates, in schematic format, a component of the DWDM systemdescribed in FIG. 2A, including another aggrandizer terminal;

FIG. 2D illustrates, in schematic format, a component of the DWDM systemdescribed in FIG. 2A, including yet another aggrandizer terminal;

FIG. 2E illustrates, in schematic format, a component of the DWDM systemdescribed in FIG. 2A, including an aggrandizer terminal with layer 2switching;

FIG. 3 illustrates a second representative embodiment view of anaggrandizer terminal repeater, in which the multiple wavelengths arerouted into respective receivers and transmitters having differentwavelengths that do not mix and together when providing gain fordifferent system wavelengths, according to another embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 shows a third representative embodiment view of an aggrandizerdrop and insert high speed 10 Gigabit channels with optional repeaterbypass of multiple wavelengths being routed into one fiber strandreceivers and transmitters having differing wavelengths that do not mixand together when providing optional gain or no gain for differentwavelengths;

FIG. 5 shows a fourth representative embodiment view of aggrandizerlayer 2-3 switch in which the multiple wavelengths are routed intorespective receivers and transmitters having differing wavelengths thatdo not mix and together when providing switching and routing fordifferent wavelength paths onto a single aggrandizer one fiber pathsystem transmitted at the A end transmission system.

FIG. 6 shows a fifth representative embodiment view of aggrandizer layer2-3 switch pursuant to the teachings of the present invention;

FIGS. 7A-7C illustrates the employment of signal amplifiers to boost thesignal content over large distance pursuant to a representative seventhembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7A more particularly illustrates an aggrandizer ROADM, in which themultiple wavelengths are routed into respective receivers andtransmitters having differing wavelengths that do not mix and togetherwhen providing pre-boost and post-boost of light wave power and routingof wavelength paths onto a second aggrandizer one fiber path systemtransmitted towards the Z end transmission system, with components andfurther aspects thereof further described in FIGS. 7B and 7C;

FIG. 7B further illustrates representative A end embodiment view of theaggrandizer ROADM described in FIGURE A, showing another embodiment ofthe TOADM device, illustrating the selection of wavelengths in onedirection;

FIG. 7C further illustrates representative A end embodiment view of theaggrandizer ROADM described in FIGURE A, showing a further embodiment ofthe TOADM shown in FIG. 7B, with the selection of wavelengths forsimultaneous and non-interfering transmission in the opposite directionover the same fiber strand;

FIG. 8 shows another representative SFP+ embodiment view of aggrandizeroptical module in which two separate C-band transmit wavelengths withrouted output into a single encasement for transmit to respectivereceivers having differing wavelengths that do not mix and together whenproviding laser driver signals at different wavelengths;

FIGS. 9A and 9B show a ninth representative SFP+ embodiment view ofaggrandizer optical module in which two separate C-band receiverwavelengths inputs are routed into a single encasement for input ofrespective receivers having differing wavelengths that do not mix andtogether when providing laser signals receiver gain at differentwavelengths; and

FIG. 10 shows a further embodiment and representative layer 2-3 switchand router with external optical gain repeater aggrandizer opticalmodule in which two separate C-band receiver and transmitter wavelengthsare input into a single encasement for input and output of respectivetransmitters and receivers having differing wavelengths that do not mixand together when providing laser signals gain at different wavelengths.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The following detailed description is presented to enable any personskilled in the art to make and use the invention. For purposes ofexplanation, specific nomenclature is set forth to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent toone skilled in the art that these specific details are not required topractice the invention. Descriptions of specific applications providedherein are only as representative examples. Various modifications to thepreferred embodiments will be readily apparent to one skilled in theart, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to otherembodiments and applications without departing from the scope of theinvention. The present invention is not intended to be limited to theembodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest possible scopeconsistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

As discussed, the present invention offers lower cost potential inconstruction and operation, which can relieve many bandwidth blockagesand contribute to higher growth in fiber cables, and requires lowercosts light wave equipment and optical changes to DWDM operatedwavelengths along routes of existing long haul transport networks. Itshould be understood that the aggrandizer described in more detailhereinbelow can be implemented into existing and new DWDM-operatednetworks, DWDM network terminals, repeaters and photonic amplifiers andPOP's, and can relieve many existing gridlocks and fulfill Internetcontent delivery operators and fiber cable owner demands for aneconomical means to expand broadband transport capacity. The presentinvention also adds new deployment opportunities to available DWDMSystems technology at much lower costs than constructing new fibercables to achieve greater bandwidth requirements.

It should be understood that system enhancements employing amulti-gigabit aggrandizer network delivering yet again more broadbandpayloads of data in facilities over a single one fiber strand systeminstantly brings about advantages for network growth at much lower costsper kilometer of fiber transport. The industry overall and especiallythe aforementioned Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs) realizethe high cost of transport as a major expense, affecting their businesscase analysis and restrictions towards meeting demands for broadbanddeployments. Even the higher costs of Gigabit and Terabit equipmentpurchases suffer the same cost limitations. The instant invention isalso directed towards improvements for delivery of large data bandwidthsthat comply with the established industry standards yet, being able toreduce costs of fiber haul delivering triple play content. Oftentimes,the enhancements herein involve content transported over longerdistances. Therefore, changing each existing two-fiber-strand system tothe newly invented one-strand fiber transport application for local andlong haul distributions has the potential to accelerate payback for evenfaster content delivery at lower costs per customer served. Indeed,eliminating only one strand of fiber in each large Gigabit system canbring about instant savings, and be capable of reducing line haul bynearly 50%, providing an instant gain in fiber operational proficiencyand cost reduction of operating over existing leased fiber networks.

The instant invention makes reference to laser generated light wavepower by several other types of applied Ethernet Switched Packetperforming sources. The methods used for achieving this primary SingleFiber Strand Transport System is performed by integrating theaforementioned aggrandizer, more particularly a “One-Fiber Aggrandizer,”set forth in more detail hereinbelow, into networks with Layers 2/3 andabove Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)/IP switch applications. Theinstant application also takes advantage of the systems microcomputercontrol and fiber management driven systems, resulting in benefits ofcontrol and monitoring performances all the while, operating underexisting strict network processor control management.

The system of the instant invention, therefore, combining content withexisting network management, will make useful the harnessing of theinstant Aggrandizer One-Fiber Strand Network using only a single strandof fiber for full two-way transport of photonic laser tuned wavelengthenergy.

As discussed in more detail hereinbelow, the present invention has thecapability to form and manage multiples of one strand deliveredwavelengths. This invention demonstrates uniquely a design having theeffective means of controlling network variables of a so-calledAggrandizer Network Packet with tremendous savings for fiber line hauland fiber Cross-Connects, one of many advantages set forth in thispatent application. With worldwide user acceptance and span usagebreakthrough by applying the aforementioned Aggrandizer One-FiberNetwork Packet technology, brings forth a new method of managingtransmission and data center cross-connect interface for Multi-GigabitEthernet operations, being capable of networking two-way traffic over asingle fiber strand using a photonic managed source per direction ofsignal flow, the instant invention will soon supplant the prior art.

As will be illustrated further hereinbelow, the present invention asdefined herein can be implemented in many identifiable systems and newapplications of the aforementioned DWDM IEEE/ITU protocol drivennetworks complying with the many protocol requirements where so-calledAggrandizer Packet Networks supplement the lower operating expenses forthe small operator of deployed Gigabit Ethernet Transport networks.

It should be understood that a goal of the present invention is toachieve a global economic impact significantly upon global fiber linehaul costs, and to offset these costs and dependence upon expensivefiber leased routes networking 10 Gbits to 100 Gbits speed circuits inData Centers filled with multi-cross-connections networked into arraysof Cloud Computing Servers.

It is also a goal of the present invention that the Aggrandizer OneFiber Packet transport and cross-connection technologies and capabilityof the present invention, as described herein, when widely deployed,result in delivering highly-desired advantages economically, achieves anew form of global acceptance, and becomes an applied source for a newAggrandizer Multi-Gigabit Transport IEEE/ITU standards body, benefitingmany worldwide communication markets. The Aggrandizer One Strand Networkof the instant invention described in more detail herein, will, in manycases, offset the need for deploying new fiber expansions by providingthe communications operator a tremendous opportunity to use anelectronic expansion deferment in place of new fiber deployments,avoiding the cost and inconvenience of digging up old cables.

To fully exploit the advantages of developing single fiber transportnetwork technologies, it should be understood that the equipment andintegral device components should be modular in design with partscommonality permitting ease of assembly and disassembly, therebyachieving additional gains and enable one-fiber-strand Multi-GigabitAggrandizer Packet Networks to compete with the present two fiber strandsystem that is commonalty found in use in today's networks.

Although the past and present IEEE-ITU Standard Dense Wave DivisionMultiplex Systems have been generally useful, it should be understoodthat they have serious disadvantages also and that those disadvantagesoften have compounding effects. For example, the transport carryingcapacity of two fiber strands represent much more bandwidth than in somecases is needed in an early stage network, thereby causing a waste offiber when two cable strands are not completely filled with datacontent, and adding un-necessary higher expenses applied to fiber perstand, and per customer per mile costs for the Enterprise Operator.Furthermore, with the single fiber application, as opposed to twofibers, the security of having two separate unlike lambda wavestransporting content adds an extra level of security against tapping thepayload content, as discussed further hereinbelow.

With reference now to FIG. 1 of the DRAWINGS, there is shown a prior artsystem employing the conventional two-way discrete pathways for incomingand outgoing data streams, generally designated by the reference numeral100. As shown, this conventional and well-established technology usestwo fiber strands between previously-defined fiber pair networks, onefiber strand being networked in point to point for transmit out on the Aend and receiving input at the Z end of network, and another fiber beingnetworked in point to point fashion for transport out the Z end andreceiving input at the A end of the network. As illustrated, fiber pairsenter and exit a network in the system 100. It should be understood thatboth SONNET and Ethernet systems requires a second fiber strand totransmit from the Z end and receive at end equipment, thus requiring theadditional one fiber strand or one fiber pair.

As discussed, many operating systems are in existence today where thecontent is multiplexed in time-division format and sent overcombinations of a two strand fiber pair or over protective fiber ringsrequiring even more expense through use of the additional pair. Theseprotective operating rings, however, are quite expensive whenconsidering that some fiber ring lengths reach in excess of 100 milesdistance. The additional expense, even when operating at 10Gigabitrings, increase the costs of Internet distribution to a level much tooexpensive for the marketplace. The use of four fiber strands operatingover an arranged ring topology produces many disadvantages, one of whichto increase the minimum content to pay large monthly recurring costs(MRC). On the low-end, however, a typical 100 mile single fiber strand,should it be leased, could cost the Internet distribution operator anamount of $25.00 per mile×100 miles or $2,500.00 U.S. expense each monthlease payment with twelve months of fiber rental charges equalingapproximately $30,000 per year for one strand of fiber. Simply savingthe costs of one fiber strand would thus save the operator $30,000.00 USDollars per annual expense or a sum over a typical five year's lease fora $150,000.00 savings. The use of two fiber strands, using the exampleabove, would cost an operator $60,000.00 annually.

Yet another disadvantage of the above prior art approach is that opticalsignals propagating through fiber-optic transmission lines undergooptical dispersion, i.e. the propagation velocity in optical fiber is afunction of wavelength. Thus, adding more data in one light wave cancause broadening of the transmitted light pulses, as they propagatealong the fiber in close space, as found in conventional DWDM. Thisfurther results in the broadening of the signal distortion, which leadsto intersymbol interference (ISI), and an increase in bit-error rate(BER) and/or a reduction in usable transmission bandwidth, and areduction of conventional DWDM lambdas at higher bandwidth lengths, asis understood to one of skill in the art. The amount of dispersion is adirect function of the optical path length and optical dispersion leadsto reduced spacing between optical regenerators.

Another benefit of the aggrandizer of the present invention is that thespacing of transmit and receive channels are in separate wavelengthbands, which eliminates the above interference caused by conventionallarge payload circuits assigned in adjacent channel spacing.

With the above in mind, with further reference to the conventionalSONNET prior art system 100 in FIG. 1, a particular premise end,generally designated by the reference numeral 110, is shown, such asindicated above representing a terminal destination for the data, i.e.,a consumer point for interface. The premise end 110 has two strandconnections for the aforesaid consumer, i.e., an input strand, generallydesignated by the reference numeral 115, and an output strand, generallydesignated by the reference numeral 120. As discussed, the prior artfiber strands 115 and 120 together for a conventional fiber pair,generally designated by the reference numeral 125.

Also connected to the premise end 110 are another pair of fibers,generally designated by the reference numeral 135, comprising an inputstrand, generally designated by the reference numeral 130, and an outputstrand, generally designated by the reference numeral 140. It should beunderstood that incoming data on strand 140 may pass through the premiseend 110 and on to the client input strand 115, where the client receivesthe data. It should be understood that the outgoing data from the clientpasses on to output strand 120, through said premise end 110, asdiscussed, and onto output fiber strand 140.

With reference again to FIG. 1, it should be understood that the datareceived from the premise A end along input strand 115 is received atthe aforementioned SONNET terminal or premise A end 110. It should alsobe understood that in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention,the aforedescribed terminal 110 is an OC-192 SONNET terminal, whichcombines the aforesaid data signal with other input data signals, tomake terminal 110 a 10 GBit laser sourced transmitter, with theso-combined data streaming out of the terminal 110 on said output fiberstrand 140. At the end of the strand 140, the signals received passthrough a DWDM multiplexer, generally designated by the referencenumeral 146, at which point the Z premise end or SONNET terminal 145combines the signal with other DWDM signals for further transmitting,e.g., across the strand 165 to the terminal 150, and receiving signalstherefrom across strand 160.

Thus, on one path of the duplex communications, beginning input signalsgo across strand 115, enter terminal 110, which combines the signal withother signals, and transmits the resultant signal package to a terminal,generally designated by the reference numeral 145, across strand 140,e.g., at the aforesaid 10 GigaBit rate. The incoming signal package ispassed through the multiplexer 146, and passed across the strand 165 tothe other terminal 150. The relevant signal is then passed to terminal170 across strand 185, e.g., at the 10 GigaBit rate, and forwardedacross output strand 180 to back office equipment, e.g., through aninterface.

With further reference to FIG. 1, the afore-sent data on strand 140 fromthe client is received at the other end of the strand 140, i.e., at a Zpremise end or terminal 145, A SONNET terminal, as discussedhereinabove. Similarly, outputs from the Z premise end 145 on the strand140, as discussed. Also shown in FIG. 1, is another Z premise end,generally designated by the reference numeral 150, which is also inpaired communication with the aforesaid Z premise end 145, acrossanother fiber strand, generally designated by the reference numeral 155,comprising an input strand, generally designated by the referencenumeral 165.

As discussed, the aforesaid two-strand configuration 100 is typical ofhome and industry fiber connectivity. Also shown in FIG. 1 is anotherpremise end, generally designated by the reference numeral 170, which,lie the premise end A, has a pair of fibers, generally designated by thereference numeral 177, including an input strand, generally designatedby the reference numeral 175, which receives the client data inputsignals, and an output premise end B, generally designated by thereference numeral 180, where the client payload or signals enter, e.g.,a cable television system.

Lastly, another pair of fiber strands, generally designated by thereference numeral 190, connect the premise end Z 150 and premise end B170, an input strand, generally designated by the reference numeral 185,and an output strand, generally designated by the reference numeral 195.In this paired manner, virtually all conventional systems communicate.

Completing the full duplex path in reverse, i.e., Premise B through ZPremise and to A premise. requires a second fiber strand as follows:client data signal input 175 is multiplexed in OC-192 Sonnet terminal170 at Premise B, preferably by a multiplexer, generally designated bythe reference numeral 171, and is transmitted out as a DWDM signal beinglaser driven at 10Gigabit rate, travels the fiber strand 195 to saidterminal 150, preferably, a DWDM De-multiplexer, generally designated bythe reference numeral 151, the aforementioned Z premise. The signal thenpasses across fiber 160 to said terminal 145, particularly saidmultiplexer 146, and onto said fiber strand 130, which makes up theoutside plant fiber pair 135 at the aforementioned 10GBit rate. There,the client payload data signal at the 10 Gbit rate is transmitted overfiber strand 130 to the A Premise end, particularly, OC-192 terminal110, where the DWDM signal is de-multiplexed by a multiplexer, generallydesignated by the reference numeral 111, and the signal then output toback office equipment along strand 120.

This facility is also typical of applying two fiber strands arranged astwo-way fibers strung across Metropolitan areas to distant locationstypically designed with use of two fiber strands, one sending andreceiving Z to A or in this facility, A to Z to B one fiber strandsending and receiving in the return path or opposite direction.

With reference now to FIG. 2A of the DRAWINGS, there is shown anexemplary system topology or configuration, generally designated by thereference numeral 200, which practices the principles of the presentinvention in a first embodiment thereof. It should, of course, beunderstood, however, that the principles of the present invention areapplicable in a variety of system topologies and configurations. Inparticular, illustrated in FIG. 2 is a first aggrandizer reconfigurableoptical add-drop multiplexer (ROADM) switch, generally designated by thereference numeral 202.

As shown in FIG. 2A, a number of component parts in the figure aredescribed further in connection with FIGS. 2B, 2C, 2D and 2E as aconvenience, each generally designated by the reference numerals.220,240, 260 and 280, respectively. In the representative tolpology 200 ofFIG. 2A, the components in connection with reference numeral 220 are tothe left of the Aggrandizer 202, the components in connection withreference numeral 240 are above the Aggrandizer 202, the components inconnection with reference numeral 260 are to the right of theAggrandizer 202, and the components in connection with reference numeral280 below the Aggrandizer 202. It should thus be clearly be understoodthat the present invention is a multi-connection device and not just apoint to point device. Accordingly, additional backbone lengths can beconnected to the Aggrandizer 202, as is understood in the art.

In general, the configuration 200 shown in FIG. 2A depicts a topologyincluding DWDM signal C-band wavelength that connects by assigningoptical protocols being arranged in a hub and spoke networking topologyoperating the Aggrandizer 202 at or near the fiber edge of the networkwith fiber path connections consisting of both long haul metropolitanfiber networks and other network interfacing layers 2-3 or more switchesand routers supporting the wide array of Ethernet networking andapplications, e.g., the aforementioned components 220, 240, 260 and 280.It should be understood that these fiber links and equipment includeswitches and routers operate ports in and ports out of the aggrandizer202 hub located at the center of the aforesaid topology 200. Note thatvarious Ethernet and IP data payloads transmitted by means of usingphotonic waves are indicated at each end of the aggrandizer 202 links orterminals, as single fiber strand ends, e.g., transporting 10 Gigabits.For illustration, eight high and eight low band wavelengths areutilized, and each wavelength may transport a different number of 10Gigabit-size payload content up 100 to 200 Gigabits of payload capacityper each port operated, as is understood in the art.

Switches and routers illustrated will function in their conventional wayusing TCP/IP—Ethernet protocol operations. although special securityfeatures added will be presented in greater detail herein.

The Aggrandizer 202 offers greater future proofing of user networks byemploying Finisar's new Flexgrid™ technology as an off the shelf productto merge into the new invented Aggrandizer's One Fiber StrandTransmission network. The Finisar Flexgrid™ features coherent optionaldesigns providing the compatibility of Flexgrid™ and Aggrandizer thus,enhancing the Flexgrid™ operating and benefits of same 100 GHz channelsas featured by the Aggrandizer One Fiber Strand patented designs.

The Aggrandizer 202 employs long haul and Metropolitan transmission andfiber cross-connections in Data Centers of reconfigurable circuitbandwidths under dynamic control and to allow add-drop of single andmultiple channels of coherent modulated payloads that are compatible tothe 50 GHz and 100 GHz channels featured in the Aggrandizer Single FiberStrand design described in the instant patent application.

With reference to FIG. 2B of the DRAWINGS, there is shown an aggrandizerterminal and repeater, generally designated by the reference numeral220, such as may be employed in connection with a 10 Gigabit/secondrepeater, accessing a high/low channel, generally designated by thereference numeral 221. As shown, the Aggrandizer 202 supplies 100Gigabit/second capability to the terminal 220, but a Coarse WavelengthDivision Multiplexer (CWDM), generally designated by the referencenumeral 222, reduces the number of channels available in DWDM, andincreasing them in the opposite direction. The terminal 220 alsoincludes a high and low channel, as described and generally designatedby the reference numeral 224, and a smart circulator, generallydesignated by the reference numeral 226. The smart circulator 226communicates with another smart circulator, generally designated by thereference numeral 228, e.g., across the aforementioned high and lowchannel, at a terminal Z end and connected to the circulator 228.

With reference to FIG. 2C of the DRAWINGS, there is shown anotheraggrandizer terminal and repeater, generally designated by the referencenumeral 240, such as also may be employed in connection with a 100Gigabit/second repeater, according to a high and low channel 221. Asshown, the Aggrandizer 202 supplies the aforementioned 100Gigabit/second capability to the terminal 240, but there is a CWDM 222.The terminal 240 also includes a DWDM multiplexer, generally designatedby the reference numeral 242, which has high and low bandwidthcapability, as described and as is understood in the art, and one ormore circulators 226. As indicated, one circulator 226 can communicatewith a terminal, such as an A or Z end terminal, across the high and lowchannels, as generally designated by the reference numeral 244.

With reference to FIG. 2D of the DRAWINGS, there is shown anotheraggrandizer terminal and repeater, generally designated by the referencenumeral 260, which may transmit up to 100 Gigabit/second repeater,according to a high and low channel 221. As shown, the Aggrandizer 202supplies the aforementioned 100 Gigabit/second capability to theterminal 260, which also has a CWDM 222 and a DWDM multiplexer with highband and low band capabilities, generally designated by the referencenumeral 262. Also, a smart circulator, generally designated by thereference numeral 264, communicates with an external circulator,generally designated by the reference numeral 262, as discussedhereinabove, across the high and low channels, generally designated bythe reference numeral 244, and which connects with an end terminal, asdiscussed.

Finally, with reference to FIG. 2E of the DRAWINGS, there is shownanother aggrandizer terminal and repeater, generally designated by thereference numeral 260, which may transmit up to 100 Gigabit/secondrepeater, according to a high and low channel 221. As shown, theAggrandizer 202 supplies the aforementioned 100 Gigabit/secondcapability to the terminal 260, but in the embodiment there is Layer-2switching installed, permitting 100 or 10 Gigabit capacity on respectivechannels, generally designated by the reference numeral 282. Torespective external devices connected thereto. As depicted, a number ofsignal wavelengths may be employed to differentiate the channels, suchas the signals 1-8, generally designated by the reference numeral 284,to respective end users or terminals using a smart circulator, generallydesignated by the reference numeral 286, to accomplish same, asdescribed in more detail hereinabove.

As shown in the multiple embodiments depicted, DWDM multiplexconfigurations with compatible single optical span wavelengthintelligent circulators operating in C-Band networked to interfaces ofDWDM C-band programmed ROADM and TOADM, with further illustration offull high and low band amplifiers operating at rates of 10 Gbitschannels networked into DWDM Multiplex following path onto AggrandizerOne Strand transport single fiber facility coupled through C-bandcirculators carrying eight low and eight high band channels over majorbackbone trunks. Furthermore, the embodiments of FIGS. 2A-2E depictseveral methods used in DWDM networking; Add-Drop channels, Pre-Boosterand Post Boosters are configurable in this graphic illustration withvarious payload capacities being demonstrated. It is a purpose of theinstant invention to illustrate the capacities, the small light haullinks and other major backbone links with maximum throughput data, allutilizing the single fiber strand concept for transmission in two-waytransmission.

With reference again to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2A-2E, theAggrandizer equipped Reconfigurable Optical Add/drop Multiplexer calledROADM in 202 set forth in this application, as structured in the variousconfigurations, demonstrate savings realized by networking one fiberstrand in and out of several networking locations herein, e.g.,assigning four low band and four high band DWDM lambda waves fortransporting standard DWDM compatible wavelength signals in the form ofEthernet/IP data carried at high speed of 10 Gbit/s to 100 Gbit/s acrosssingle strand of fiber, while networking with the ROADM 202 and, forexample, interfacing to the aforementioned Aggrandizer Multiplexterminal 220, where a single fiber strand transports DWDM wavelengthstransport and transmits Ethernet data signals over the single fiber,generally designated by the reference numeral 201, using separateassigned DWDM waves, for example, separated from the transported signalwaves #1 through #8 lambda signals identified, such as shown by 284,sent in opposite direction.

It should be understood that in the embodiments herein, DWDM lambdasignals may be broadband where each wave represents a 10 Gigabit or the100 Gigabit ITU standard frame made up of 4 each independent 25 Gbit pera single 100 Ghz DWDM channel networked over single strand having theEthernet/IP multiplexed through passive DWDM multiplex channels 202 andpositions each of these two wavelengths at different lambda DWDMwavelengths, such as shown in FIG. 2B. As shown, one DWDM wavelength inhigh band references a single full two way data channel operates on DWDMhigh band for transmit while the receive DWDM channel data operates inlow bands.

In the Aggrandizer configuration pursuant to a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention, there are eight wavelengths used in low band 1530nanometer wave and eight wavelengths in high band 1550 nm nanometer, andeach of the sixteen total wavelengths are capable of networking 100Gigabits or greater times sixteen channels or 160 Gigabits per each lowand high band multiplex. It should be understood that black colorwavelengths illustrated herein are high band, and the white/grey colorwavelengths are low band, with eight additional 100 Gigabit/s low bandwavelength data. Additionally, more economically software programmablecirculators, e.g., circulator 226, are used to manage and directspecific signals over routes combining the transmit white/greyillustrated pulse containing signals transmitted from the opposite end;A end transmitting to Z end DWDM Multiplex and Z end transmitting to Aend on the white/grey wavelength of 1530 nm. The opposite payload datadirection would transport Ethernet/IP signals in opposite directionsusing the aforementioned black wavelength of 1550 nm on single fiberstrand, demonstrating the value savings of one fiber strand.

With further reference to FIGS. 2A-2E of the DRAWINGS, the same DWDMreformatting of standard signal arrangements have been modified totransition the two signals onto a single fiber strand by changing theIEEE/ITU standard signal directions and routing the connectivity of DWDMbroadband signals across different wavelengths, a practice not found inDWDM long haul channels in systems operating at 10 Gigabits and >100Gigabits bandwidths. These DWDM waves have ranges up to 80 kilometersbetween repeater regenerations. Programmable circulators, such as thecirculator 226, are networked in the DWDM Metro and long haul facility,and are turned in C band to pass any one or several waves withoutcausing interferences or mixing of wavelengths and these circulators aretunable to the desired “C” band wave as a bandpass filter to ensure thecorrect DWDM signals are placed in the correct direction oftransmission.

It should be understood that the present invention allows theapplication of standard DWDM equipment and multiplex equipment networkedwith the Aggrandizer 202 without the need to make modifications to amanufacturers' IEEE or ITU standard DWDM hardware or software designs.Furthermore, it should be understood that illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2E arevarious systems featuring various benefits of operating over a singlefiber strand designed in Aggrandizer networks. The present inventionoffers means to save one fiber strand on each transport DWDM system,especially in long haul systems where high bandwidth and long pairedfiber span systems are operating, particularly in fiber distancesreaching upwards of 80 or more kilometers. Although covered in forgoingfigures, the splitting of signals into different wavelengths adds alevel of security to network firewalls.

With reference now to FIG. 3 of the DRAWINGS, there is shown a secondrepresentative embodiment view of an aggrandizer terminal repeaterpursuant to the teachings of the instant invention, generally designatedby the reference numeral 300. As shown, multiple wavelengths are routedinto respective receivers and transmitters having differing wavelengths,with no interference when providing gain at different wavelengths, andby spacing several lambda's apart eliminating adjacent channel crosstalkand adjacent channel wavelength interference.

In one embodiment of the present invention, both High Band and Low bandwavelength signals enter the left data warehouse cross-connect point,generally designated by the reference numeral 305, forming a path forlow band and high band channels, generally designated by the referencenumerals 310A and 310B, with 310A representing the receipt of signalsand 310B representing the transmission of signals. It should beunderstood that the signals 310A are made of a low band and a high bandsignal for two channels, shown as four receivers in the figures.Similarly, the signals 310 b are a low band and a high hand signal fortwo channels, shown as four transmitters in the figures.

For the received signals from point 305, these enter a smart circulator,generally designated by the reference numeral 315, which distributes thevarious incoming signals intelligently, here, as the arrow indicates, toa DWDM multiplexer, generally designated by the reference numeral 320,pursuant to a filter, generally designated by the reference numeral 325.The signals are processed by the multiplexer 320A pursuant to whetherthe signal is a low pass signal, generally designated by the referencenumeral 330A, or a high pass signal, generally designated by thereference numeral 330B. If the signal is a low band signal, it enters aregenerator, generally designated by the reference numeral 335, at thelow band receiver, generally designated by the reference numeral 340ALikewise, if the signal is a high band signal, it enters a the high bandreceiver, generally designated by the reference numeral 340B.

Thus, the signals enter the wavelength-tuned channel regenerator 335,where like channels in high and low bands are input to low-high RXchannels 340A and 340B, and the signals passed on for applicable laserphotonic amplification and dejitter performed in respective amplifiers,generally designated by the reference identifiers 345A and 345B, wherethe wavelength signal levels are boosted to levels of plus 3.5 dB, whichis sufficient to reach the 80 km range. The boosted signals are thentransmitted via respective transmitters, generally designated by thereference identifiers, 350A and 350B, and the signals then exit theregenerator 335 and pass to another DWDM multiplexer, generallydesignated by the reference identifier 355A, which receives both the lowband and the high band signals, and processes them using filters, forexample, a low band filter 36A and a high band filter 360B. Themultiplexed and filtered signals then pass through a smart circulator,generally designated by the reference numeral 365, and transmitted via atransmitter, generally designated by the reference numeral 370, onto asingle strand wire, generally designated by the reference numeral 375,for transmission to another terminal or repeater, as is understood inthe art.

With reference again to FIG. 3, upon receiving a signal from theaforementioned point 305, the signal enters as RX-1 and RX-2, as twoindependent DWDM signals on low band wavelengths 1530 nm standard ofDWDM wavelengths directed into input over a single fiber strand tojunction with the aforementioned circulator 315 where a specificwavelength is directed through intelligent managed circulator terminal.Similarly, upon receipt of DWDM inputs that are passive high 1550 nmsignals and low 1530 nm, these signals are de-multiplexed 320, and thesignal passes into the aforementioned RX signal high gain 340B of signalregenerator 335, de-jittered 345B, and again passes into signal booster350B thereafter. A laser transmitter 350A/350B then transmits low 1530nm and high 1550 nm wavelengths into the DWDM multiplexer filter 355A,high/low and on into the aforementioned circulator 365, and outputs thehigh and low signals TX combined 370 and separated by differentwavelengths 1530 nm and 1550 nm. As shown, the signals are placed onto asingle fiber strand directed to a distant end station or signal booster380, perhaps to distances of 80 km over the single fiber to otherAggrandizer equipment.

Now turning to signals from the shared single fiber 375 from theopposite end, i.e., from, distant equipment 380, a path for the receiptof low band and high band channels are also shown, generally designatedby the reference numeral 385. The received signals are then passed tothe circulator 365, which receives the inputs of high band low bandreceive signals, and passes these respective 1530 nm and 1550 nm signalsover the single fiber to a DWDM multiplexer 355B, wherein signals areseparated apart by specific tuned wavelengths and input into theaforementioned regenerator 355. The low band signals enter theregenerator 335 to a low band receiver 390A, and high band signals entera high band receiver 390B, as illustrated, and amplified for receivergain of each signal, by passing through respective amplifiers 345 forde-jittering. The signals then pass through a clocking circuit into thehigh signal transmitters 395A and 395B for the requisite TX-low andTX-high bandwidth signals. The signals then exit the regenerator 335,and enter a DWDM multiplexer 320B, and passed through a transport outputDWDM wavelengths, the aforementioned 325, on the single fiber span,passing into a leg of the circulator 315 through channels 310B for aprogrammable selected bandwidth directed onto the single fiber strandand transmitted, perhaps to distances greater than 80 kilometers along asingle fiber strand to data warehouse or DWDM multiplex or aninterfacing router having the same Aggrandizer networking compatibility.

With reference now to FIG. 4 of the DRAWINGS, there is shown arepresentative view of an Aggrandizer configuration with a singleoptical fiber span 401, for connection to a distant device. It should beunderstood that the signal, interchanged along the fiber 405, preferablyincludes signals at wavelengths including 1530 nm and 1550 nm. It shouldalso be understood that although these wavelengths are preferred in thisembodiment, different wavelengths are possible as is understood to thoseof skill in the art. The signals then enter a smart wavelengthcirculator 410 operating in C-Band networked to interfaces of DWDMC-band Tunable Optical Add/Drop Multiplexer (TOADM) devices withillustration of full low and high band passed amplifiers 415 and 420,respectively, corresponding to the aforementioned wavelengths 1530 nmand 1550 nm, operating at rates of 10 Gbits channels. The signals arethen sent to another circulator 425, and networked onto the Aggrandizerone strand transport single fiber facility of the present invention,generally designated by the reference numeral 430. It should also beunderstood that C-band circulators 410 and 425 preferably carry eightlow and eight high band channels. As should be understood, Add-Dropchannels, Pre-Booster and Post Boosters are optionally configured formuse in devices corresponding to this illustration.

With reference again to FIG. 4, there is further shown an exemplaryrepresentation of an embodiment view of Aggrandizer drop and insert highbandwidth of 10Gigabit to >100 Gigabit payloads, where two or more DWDMchannels operating in bandwidths of 100 Gigahertz bandpass receive inputfrom the aforementioned single fiber strand 405, and the providedwavelength channels enter the unit over single fiber as high and lowbandpass groups and input to the aforementioned Aggrandizer bandwidthmanaged circulator 410 configured to receive selectable DWDM nanometerwavelengths, and directing the selected wavelengths into the input ofthe aforementioned tunable optical add/drop TOADM multiplexer,particularly, 1550 nanometer link, generally designated by the referencenumeral 435, and a TOADM 1530 nanometer link 440, where each TOADM issoftware programmed to drop or insert certain pre-planned DWDM channelselections on terminals, with an insert for TOADM 435 at 1550 nm,generally designated by the reference numeral 445, 409 and a drop forTAODM 440 at 1530 nm, generally designated by the reference numeral 450.

As illustrated, the Aggrandizer Gigabit Drop and Insert device 400operates to combine channels by-passed in circulator 410 and circulator425, wherein the bypassed channels in the C-Band are routed to theaforementioned bypass filters 415 and 420 that shape the DWDMwavelengths and band limit any undesirable non-desired sidebandsarriving at the 1530 nm and 1550 nm channel bandpasses, respectively,and having passed through the 1530 nm bandpass filter 415 and the 1550bandpass filter 420 are directed to the aforementioned circulator 425 tobe combined with payload and interfaced onto one the aforementionedsingle fiber strand 430, particularly, an interface thereof fortransmission.

With reference now to FIG. 5 of the DRAWINGS, there is shown therein afourth representative embodiment view of an aggrandizer layer-2-3 switchpursuant to the teachings of the present invention, generally designatedby the reference numeral 500, in which multiple wavelengths are routedinto respective receivers and transmitters having incongruentwavelengths do not mix and together when providing networking androuting across different wavelength paths onto a single aggrandizer onefiber path system. A transmitted wavelength signal from the A endpremise transmission system, such as on strand 405 in FIG. 4, isreceived at strand 430 and sent out to the Z premise end, as also shownand further described in connection with FIG. 6. It should be understoodthat the aforementioned drop and insert circuits 450 and 445 shown anddescribed in connection with FIG. 4 can be selected drop out and insertinput, one single 10 Gbit signal channel or multiples of 10 Gbitchannels.

Now with particular reference to FIG. 5, there is illustrated therein arepresentation of a one fiber strand interface compatible with theindustries layer-2, 3 and above Ethernet stack protocol switchesoperates these with no conversion or modifications to software, hardwareand overall remote management systems. As shown, a one strand fiber 503connects to and from a backbone, e.g., an 80 km fiber route, asdescribed hereinabove. A DWDM wave combiner, preferably undermicroprocessor control, selects and processes tunable signal interfacesof standard DWDM channels 510, and signals are selected and passed to areceiver 515, wherein the DWDM input signals from the strand 505 aredirected to a DWDM multiplexer 520, with an input of industry standardof 10 Gigabits, 100 Gigabits and higher bandwidths. The signals are thenamplified in an amplifier, having an 80 km or greater range high gainDWDM receiver with specific DWDM tuned wavelength of 1530 nm or 1550 nm,depending upon matching opposite channel transmitting output. The signalthen passes to a converter 525, and passes to a receiver port orinterface, generally designated by the reference numeral 530. It shouldbe understood that the input signals from the converter 525 shows theconversion of input circuit from SFP+ long haul receiver to short range1310 nm signal operating at lower gain and being isolated from the onefiber line 505, preferably, the signals from the converter 525 aredirected into an input of a second 1310 nm interface inserted in aswitch receive 1 or 10 or 100 Gigabit port, delivering 10 to 100Gigabits input to a switch or router.

Further expanding upon benefits of networking the Aggrandizer 500,specifically the 10/100 Gigabit converter 525 with switches and routers,in normal practice a switch would normally require 80 km long haul SFP+optics be inserted directly into an SFP+ compatible port or interface530, requiring networks of two outside plant fiber strands for long haulor metro fiber pair connections. The signals pass through the port 530and through a switch matrix 535, and on to the aforementioned copperconnection, generally designated by the reference numeral 540. Inadapting one fiber applications, however, the switch uses a moreeconomical 1310 nm SFP+ interface, and is equipped in a transmissionswitch port 545, whereby, 10Gigabit/s or 100Gigabit/s signals are in theopposite direction input to the converter 525, and equipped with laserSFP+ long range optic amplifiers, with the transmit signals beingconverted in the converter 525 from light to electric. The signals passthrough a multiplexer 550, which enhances or improves clock jitter, andconverted to light. In other words, the output signal at high level dBlevel sent to DWDM channel matching multiplexer 540 and the lightoutputs at the specific selected wavelength, sending the signal into aDWDM wave combiner and output transmitted, generally designated by thereference numeral 555, some 80 km along the single one fiber span. Thisdemonstrates use of one fiber operating with standard Ethernet and IPswitching hardware equipment and routers without having to engageexpensive redesign to convert deployed equipment for one fiber strandoperation. Additionally, the aggrandizer switch 500 is able to handlevarious payloads being networked therethrough, with no limits upon theone fiber strand interface or transmission along the short to long rangefiber spans.

With reference now to FIG. 6 of the DRAWINGS, there is shown a fourthrepresentative embodiment view of aggrandizer layer-2-3 switch being the“Z” matching end of Aggrandizer Switch, in which the multiplewavelengths are routed into respective receivers and transmitters havingincongruent wavelengths sent out from A site Aggrandizer Switch do notmix and together when providing networking and routing across differentwavelength paths onto a single aggrandizer one fiber path system. Thetransmitted A wavelength signal from the A end premise transmissionsystem is received at Z and sent out to the Z premise end. User drop andinsert circuits G and Y can be selected to drop out and insert input,one single 100 Mbits, to 1.0 Gigabits signal extension off the low speedside of multiples of low speed channels. The Layer-2 switch 600functions normally in all area except for the added 10 Gigabit portsbeing dual transmit SFP+ optical transmitters or receivers. Conventionaltwo fiber strands cabling between the layer-2 switch 10 Gig ports andthe DWDM channels are dual distinct wavelengths which are named yellowor green to illustrate the different wavelengths.

The Aggrandizer ports serve upper and lower wavelength channels andnetwork wavelengths onto one single fiber strand. The single fiberstrands transports payloads of data in form of full two-way traffic oftransmit and receive wavelengths reaching lengths of 80 km range wherethe low level lightwave signal will be boosted by an optical amplifieror terminated into a SFP+ transmission and receive wave device.

Further referencing FIG. 6, there is shown a representative embodiment600 view of aggrandizer layer 2-3 switch being the distant matching endof Aggrandizer internetworking with industry IP and Ethernet switches.It should be understood that a single fiber 605 represents the remoteinterfacing switch includes the single fiber attachment spanning fromthe corresponding structure in FIG. 5, specifically interfaced to fiber505, sending and receiving DWDM wavelengths transmitted and received bythe switch embodiment 600, interfacing a single fiber strandtransporting DWDM waves input to a multiplexer 610, then to a tuned wavecombiner 615, a software managed selectable band pass stage, where asignal operating in predetermined bandwidth is allowed to pass thoughthe DWDM channel processor and a multiplexer 620 to an input switch 625,networked so that the switch 625 is activated in standard form. Everytype interface compatible with Ethernet and IP may be interfaced to theone fiber Aggrandizer network 600. The input switch 625 is a receiveport 630, and the signal passing therethrough enters a switch matrix635, and then on to the aforementioned copper connector 640. The signalthen passes. Transmission output from the copper connector 640, passesthrough the switch matrix 635, through an output port 645 of the switch625 The signal the passes through DWDM channel bandpass multiplexer 650and to the wave combiner 615, and to the multiplexer 610, where transmitand receive signals are combined into the one fiber interface andtransmitted across the single fiber 605.

Turning now to FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C of the DRAWINGS, including thecomponents thereof, there are shown representative views of anotherAggrandizer configuration networking a 100Base to a 10G transceiver withtechnology of single optical span wavelengths “C” Band Dense WaveDivision Multiplex (DWDM) operating at specific tuned low power outputsignal short haul interfaces for driving DWDM C-band ROADM and TOADMports of 10G signals, with illustration of wavelengths for full high andlow band pre-booster and post-booster amplifiers operating at rates of100 Megabits to 10 Gbits channels networked over long lengths of singlestrand fiber where lower fiber signals are input into full high and lowband pre-booster and post-booster amplifiers at the Z premise end of thenetwork.

Also shown is a three-port Tunable Optical DWDM Add-and-Drop TOADMdevice that supports a multi-protocol for high capacity opticaltransport solutions, such as with the Aggrandizer one-fiber-strandinterfaces. The TOADM is tunable across the C-band wavelengths listedunder the IEEE and ITU grid standards and accommodates small to largepayloads.

Now with particular reference to FIG. 7A of the DRAWINGS, this figureillustrates the use of Erbium doped fiber amplifiers (EDFA) lightwavepower amplifiers, generally designated by the reference numeral 704,that when placed at strategic locations can provide lambda amplifiersources required along long fiber spans, generally designated by thereference numeral 702. It should be understood that these amplifiers 704give a boost to attenuated lambda weak signals along the span 702 evenafter operating many kilometers. The EDFAs 704 thus output extend thecable span further, sending a lambda driven signal over new spans,generally designated by the reference numeral 706, of the aforementionedone fiber networks to another, remote EDFA amplifier, generallydesignated by the reference numeral 708, where the signal is once againboosted, as described. The light-driven signal, such as from the A endalong the cable span 702, with boosters 704 and 708 and the like, canthus extend this light signal over another long range one strand fiber,generally designated by the reference numeral 710, to further remotelocations at terminal Z networks. It should be understood that suchbooster amplifier locations may also be equipped with tunable opticaladd/drop multiplex to add and remove DWDM lambda sources transportingintelligent data content e.g., as described and illustrated in FIGS. 7Band 7C, described further hereinbelow.

With reference now to FIG. 7B of the DRAWINGS, there is illustratedtherein a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a TunableOptical Add/Drop Multiplex (TOADM) three port multiplex application,generally designated by the reference numeral 712, that accepts DWDMwavelength signals in the form of C-Band 100 GHz bandwidth channels, andelectronically under the aforementioned microprocessor management,selecting one or several selectable wavelengths, generally designated bythe reference numeral 714, containing user intelligent data at the inputterminal and drops out to a local path, generally designated by thereference numeral 716, the selected DWDM 10 Gigabit to 100 Gigabit/slightwave signals. The remaining DWDM wavelengths, generally designatedby the reference numeral 718, however, pass through for transmission atother desired destinations, as is understood in the art.

With reference now to FIG. 7C of the DRAWINGS, there is illustratedanother embodiment of a Tunable Optical Add/Drop Multiplex (TOADM) threeport multiplex application, generally designated by the referencenumeral 720, that also accepts DWDM wavelength signals in the form ofC-Band 100 GHz bandwidth channels, generally designated by the referencenumeral 722, and electronically under the aforementioned microprocessormanagement, selects one or several selectable wavelengths, generallydesignated by the reference numeral 724, containing user intelligentdata and sends said signal to an input terminal, and adds one or morewavelengths to a local path, generally designated by the referencenumeral 726, the selected DWDM 10 Gigabit to 100 Gigabit/s lightwavesignals.

With reference now to FIG. 8 of the DRAWINGS, there is illustrated animproved transceiver device, generally designated by the referencenumeral 800, pursuant to the paradigm of the present invention. Asshown, the transceiver 800 is equipped with two distinct Transmit outputlambda sources, one high band and one low band wavelengths within somesmall form factor pluggable (SPF+) embodiments, generally designated bythe reference numerals 805 and 810, respectively. Pursuant to theteachings of the present invention, there is a new design change intransceiver technology. In particular, the new transceiver 800 forms afull one-way dual optical span wavelengths in C Band Dense Wave Divisionoperating across the full C-Band and each SPF+ embodiment, having twospecifically different tuned low and high bands transmitters. Thetransceiver 800 also has low power output signals provisioned for shorthaul interfaces driving DWDM C-band ROADM and TOADM port 10G signals,with two discrete output wavelengths for full high and low bandamplifiers operating at rates of 10 Gbits channels networked into twointerface ports receiving receiver signals from routers, terminals,switches or optical line amplifiers.

Also illustrated in FIG. 8 are 10 km range dual high and low wavelengthsone-way signal transmitter in a form fit SFP+ mechanically compatibleSFP+ equipped with two distinct Transmit output, lambdas, one a highband and one a low band 810 DWDM C-Band optical laser transmitters,which are inside one apparatus used for short haul ROADM and TOADMapplications requiring short haul fiber span, with a range ofwavelengths 815, for each illustrated C-band waves. Also shown is apluggable electrical interface, generally designated by the referencenumeral 820, at the other end of the device 800, allowing ease ofconnectability, as is understood in the art.

With reference now to FIG. 9 of the DRAWINGS, particularly FIGS. 9A and9B, there is shown a third representative embodiment view of Aggrandizerlayer 2-3>switch being the “A” or “Z” matching end of AggrandizerSwitch, generally designated by the reference numeral 900, in which themultiple wavelengths are routed into respective optical amplifiers withreceivers and transmitters having distinct wavelengths sent out from Asite Aggrandizer switch that do not mix and together providingnetworking and routing across different wavelength paths onto a singleAggrandizer one fiber path system. The transmitted (1530 nm band)wavelength signal from the “A” end premise transmission system isreceived as (1530 nm band) and sent input to the Z premise end of thisFIG. 9.

The user drop and insert circuits (IP Data) and (CAT-5) can be selectedto drop out and insert input in normal switch and router sequences, onesingle 100 Mbits to 1.0 Gbits signal extensions off the low speed sideof multiple channels. The Layer-2 switch functions normally in all areasexcept for 10 Gigabit ports being dual transmit SFP+ opticaltransmitters and dual receivers. Conventional two fiber strand cablingbetween the layer-2 switch 10 Gig ports and the DWDM channels operatingon two separate wavelengths which are identified (yellow or green) as1550 nm or 1530 nm band-pass illustrates the different wavelengths.

Further referencing FIG. 9A, the 10 km receiver 900 is preferably a formfit SFP+ mechanically compatible SFP+ and is equipped with two distinctreceiver input lambdas, one a high band 905 and one a low band 910, twoDWDM C-Band optical laser signal receivers inside one apparatus used forshort haul ROADM and TOADM applications requiring short haul fiberspans, with receiver short range wavelengths for each of the C-bandwaves. It should be understood that the Aggrandizer interface would becompatible, e.g., at the electrical interface shown in FIG. 8, whereother conventional SFP's and SFP+ optics provide full two-way duplexinterfaces operating with only one DWDM wavelength.

Further referencing FIG. 9B, the transmitter shown therein, generallydesignated by the reference numeral 920, is a transmitter equipped withtwo transmitter outputs, lambdas, one for high band 925 and one for lowband 930.

It should be understood that the Aggrandizer ports for upper and lowerchannels amplify the separation of wavelengths onto one single fiberstrand. The single fiber strand transports payloads of data in form offull two-way traffic or transmit and receive wavelengths reachinglengths of 80 km range where the low level light wave signal will beboosted by an optical amplifier or terminated into lower powered SFP+transmission and receive wave device interfacing with the switch. Bothreceiver 900 and the transmitter 920 have a pluggable electricalinterface, generally designated by the reference numeral 935, and bothhave a range of operable wavelengths, generally designated by thereference numeral 940.

With reference now to FIG. 10 of the DRAWINGS, the Aggrandizer transportsystem, generally designated by the reference numeral 1000, depicts acooper connector, generally designated by the reference numeral 1005,for electrical connectivity, as described hereinabove. The incomingelectrical signals pass through a switch matrix, generally designated bythe reference numeral 1010, and into a switch, generally designated bythe reference numeral 1015, which has two way switch or router portstherein, generally designated by the reference numerals 1020 and 1025,respectively, equipped with full duplex TX and RX SFP+ interfaces wherethe aforementioned TX port 1020 connects with an amplifier 1030, havinga TX port 1035, and the aforementioned RX port 1025 connects with an RXport 1040, ports which are adapted through the aforementionedAggrandizer shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 and described further hereinabove,and the optics forming high and low C-Band DWDM optical paths to improveconnectivity efficiency and limit fiber optic patch cablingconfigurations. A receiving multiplexer 1045 connects to an RX port 1050and an aggrandizer 1055 connects to a TX port 1060. Lambda lightwavetransporting DWDM format data adapts to conventional industry switchesand routers giving these devices an economical boost with the singlefiber transport system.

It should be understood that an Aggrandizer equipped ReconfigurableOptical Add/drop device is preferably structured to be Dynamicallyconfigurable to process and network wavelengths of differentconfigurations, contents and speeds such as 50 Gbit/s and severalgrouped bandwidths signals, each transporting wavelengths separatedapart and transporting upwards to an 100 Gbit/s input and dropped out orinserted into a Network B, which network across lightwave devices to aNetwork C, again delivering 50 Gbit/s or 100 Gbit/s in the form oflightwaves, all networking at lambda signal levels presents a furthersavings realized by networking one fiber strand in and out of severaldevices found in long haul transport and metro DWDM networks.

Preferably, the application of eight such 100 Gbit/s channels whichfollow the ITU and with introduction of coherent techniques such as dualpolarization quadrature phase shift keying (DP-QPSK) enables anAggrandizer to transport 50 GHz channels carrying 100 Gbit/s datacontent which conform the ITU standard which allows the use of IEEE/ITU50 GHz and 100 GHz channel compatible network data bandwidths to betransmitted and received over the Aggrandizer-managed system. Thisserves to meet the demand for lower transport cost by raising thebandwidth from 40, 100 and 200 Gigabit channels networked in channels of100 GHZ multiplex channel per fiber pair and upwards to 96 channelsusing 50 GHz DWDM channels, which more than doubles the transportcapacity over one fiber pair. Aggrandizers thus operating over one fiberstrand will multiply this loading factor by two times the aggregate rateper each assigned fiber strand.

It should be understood that the present invention has many facets, manyof which have been discussed at length hereinabove. Additional facetsare discussed hereinbelow. The Aggrandizer preferably includes: a changein order of assignments, lambda signal wavelength selections, paths andpurpose of use of IEEE-ITU standard Dense Wave Division Multiplexing[DWDM] wavelengths and cause said changed wavelengths selected toexecute synchronously, a transmit OUTPUT lambda signal with content andreceive INPUT lambda signals containing transmit and receive userpayload content, all accomplished over standard Native Ethernet frameddata and IP Data formatted to form a serial data string and transportingpayloads per two directions of transmission.

By way of definitions, Site designations include “A” site applyingchanged wavelength with content payload transmits the content to “Z” endsite receiving said wavelength with content payload for distribution,and “Z” site applying changed wavelength with content payload transmitscontent to “A” end site receiving said wavelength with content payload.

The present invention includes the scenario where the transmit payloadcontent is networked onto a separate DWDM wavelength from thecorresponding receive payload content adds physical and electrical andlight wave separation apart from interferences.

The present invention includes the scenario where the aforedescribedoptical system further comprises a second light wave path can have fullpayload diversity over a single strand of fiber operating dual fiberwavelengths A to Z and Z to A ends using separate lambda's.

The present invention includes the scenario where the aforedescribedoptical system uses conforming DWDM wavelength assignments per IEEE andITU international standards allows the Aggrandizer One Fiber to bedeployed worldwide in domestic and international markets.

The present invention includes the scenario where the aforedescribedoptical system uses conforming DWDM wavelength assignments per IEEE andITU international standards allows the Aggrandizer One Fiber to bedeployed using industry standard EDFA optical amplifiers on long haulnetworks configured for one fiber transmission in full-two-way payloaddelivery.

The present invention includes the scenario where the aforedescribedoptical system uses standard DWDM wavelength assignments per IEEE andITU international standards allows the Aggrandizer One Fiber to bedeployed using any wideband multi-rates 10 Gig, 40 Gig, 100 Gig and 200Gig optical transport solution with advantage of operating overAggrandizer One Fiber networks in metropolitan and long haul networks.

The present invention includes the scenario where the aforedescribedoptical system uses standard DWDM wavelength assignments per IEEE andITU international standards allows the Aggrandizer One Fiber to bedeployed and operated on any single mode fiber strand adds savings tofifty percent more payload capacity to existing fiber cable networks.

The present invention includes the scenario where the aforedescribedoptical system uses standard DWDM wavelength assignments per IEEE andITU international standards allows the Aggrandizer One Fiber deployeddefer new fiber cable builds and provides relief of congested or filledfiber strands.

The present invention includes the scenario where the aforedescribedoptical system uses standard DWDM wavelength assignments per IEEE andITU international standards allows the Aggrandizer One Fiber to bedeployed using any wideband multi-rates of 10 Gig, 40 Gig, 100 Gig and200 Gig optical transport solution with drop out and insert of fulltwo-way payloads delivering standard IEEE and ITU standard interfacesand compatible data rates.

The present invention includes the scenario where the aforedescribedoptical system uses standard DWDM wavelength assignments per IEEE andITU international standards allows the Aggrandizer One Fiber to bedeployed using modified short haul 10 Gig optic modules.

The present invention includes the scenario where the aforedescribedoptical system uses standard DWDM wavelength assignments per IEEE andITU international standards allows the Aggrandizer One Fiber to bedeployed using compatible 80 km range 10 Gig SFP+ optical interfacemodule.

The present invention includes the scenario where the aforedescribedoptical system uses standard DWDM wavelength assignments per IEEE andITU international standards allows the Aggrandizer One Fiber to bedeployed using OSPF+ 40 Gig bandwidths for interfacing client equipment.

The present invention includes the scenario where the aforedescribedoptical system uses standard DWDM wavelength assignments per IEEE andITU international standards allows the Aggrandizer One Fiber to bedeployed using single mode fiber in metropolitan and long haul networksto offset costs of one fiber strand by one half the cost of dual fiberstrand costs.

The present invention includes the scenario where the aforedescribedoptical system uses standard DWDM wavelength assignments per IEEE andITU international standards allows the Aggrandizer One Fiber to bedeployed using combinations of IEEE standard CWDM bands with DWDM C-bandwaves.

The present invention includes the scenario where the aforedescribedoptical system uses standard DWDM wavelength assignments per IEEE andITU international standards allows the Aggrandizer One Fiber to bedeployed using hardware redundancy and power diversity.

The present invention includes the scenario where the aforedescribedoptical system uses standard DWDM wavelength assignments per IEEE andITU international standards allows the Aggrandizer One Fiber to bedeployed using lateral or ring fiber network designs.

The present invention includes the scenario where the aforedescribedoptical system uses standard DWDM wavelength assignments per IEEE andITU international standards allows the Aggrandizer One Fiber to bedeployed using optical couplers, splitters and said devices operating oneither or both ends of a network.

The present invention includes the scenario where the aforedescribedoptical system uses standard DWDM wavelength assignments per IEEE andITU international standards allows the Aggrandizer One Fiber to bedeployed using ROADM optical switching operating at 10 Gig, 40 Gig, 100Gig and 200 Gig payload wavelengths.

The present invention includes the scenario where the aforedescribedoptical system uses standard DWDM wavelength assignments per IEEE andITU international standards allows the Aggrandizer One Fiber to bedeployed using layer-2, 3 and above switching networks and routers.

The present invention includes the scenario where the aforedescribedoptical system uses standard DWDM wavelength assignments per IEEE andITU international standards allows the Aggrandizer One Fiber to bedeployed using single mode fiber cross-connects in data centers acrossworldwide interconnections.

While the present invention has been illustrated by the description ofthe embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been describedin detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or inany way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail.Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to thoseskilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects isnot limited to the specific details, representative apparatus andmethod, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly,departures may be made from such details without departure from thebreadth or scope of the applicant's concept. Furthermore, although thepresent invention has been described in connection with a number ofexemplary embodiments and implementations, the present invention is notso limited but rather covers various modifications and equivalentarrangements, which fall within the purview of the appended claims.

What claimed is:
 1. A communication system for transmittingbidirectional data, comprising: a bidirectional fiber strand; a firstsignal injector at one end of said bidirectional fiber strand; a secondsignal injector at the other end of said bidirectional fiber strand;wherein data signals at a first Dense Wave Division Multiplexing (DWDM)wavelength are injected by said first signal injector at said one end ofsaid bidirectional fiber strand, wherein data signals at a second DWDMwavelength are injected by said second signal injector at said other endof said bidirectional fiber strand, wherein said first and secondwavelengths differ, and wherein said data signals are in C-bandwavelengths and under SFP+ protocols, whereby the data signals injectedat said first end and the data signals injected at said second endsimultaneously traverse said bidirectional fiber strand.
 2. Thecommunication system according to claim 1, wherein said data signalsadhere to an industry standard, said industry standard comprising anIEEE/ITU standard.
 3. The communication system according to claim 2,wherein said data signals employ at least one layer protocol, said layerprotocol consisting of the set comprising Layer-2, Layer-3, Layer-4 andcombinations thereof.
 4. The communication system according to claim 1,further comprising: at least one amplifier, said at least one amplifierconjoining two said bidirectional fiber strands, and boosting the signalbeing transmitting therethrough.
 5. The communication system accordingto claim 4, wherein said at least one amplifier is an Erbium-doped fiberamplifier.
 6. The communication system for transmitting bidirectionaldata according to claim 1, wherein said bidirectional fiber strand isoperable over a range of data transmission rates.
 7. The communicationsystem for transmitting bidirectional data according to claim 6, whereinsaid data transmission rates are selected from the group consisting of10 Gigabits/s, 40 Gigabits/s, 50 Gigabits/s, 100 Gigabits/s, and 200Gigabits/s.
 8. A bidirectional fiber strand comprising: a first port atone end thereof, said first port configured to receive first datasignals at a first Dense Wave Division Multiplexing (DWDM) wavelength;and a second port at the other end thereof, said second port configuredto receive second DWDM data signals therein at a second wavelength, saidfirst and said second wavelengths differing, wherein said data signalsare in C-band wavelengths and under SFP+ protocols, whereby data signalsinjected at said first end and the data signals injected at said secondend simultaneously traverse said bidirectional fiber strand.
 9. Thebidirectional fiber strand according to claim 8, wherein saidbidirectional fiber strand is operable over a range of data transmissionrates.
 10. The bidirectional fiber strand according to claim 9, whereinsaid data transmission rates are selected from the group consisting of10 Gigabits/s, 40 Gigabits/s, 50 Gigabits/s, 100 Gigabits/s, and 200Gigabits/s.
 11. The bidirectional fiber strand according to claim 8,wherein said wherein said data signals adhere to an industry standard,said industry standard comprising an IEEE/ITU standard.
 12. Thebidirectional fiber strand according to claim 8, further comprising: atleast one amplifier, said at least one amplifier conjoining two saidbidirectional fiber strands, and boosting the signal being transmittingtherethrough.
 13. The bidirectional fiber strand according to claim 12,wherein said at least one amplifier is an Erbium-doped fiber amplifier.14. A method for transmitting bidirectional signals across a commonfiber strand, comprising: injecting, at one end of a bidirectional fiberstrand, a first data signal at a first Dense Wave Division Multiplexing(DWDM) wavelength; and injecting, at the other end of said bidirectionalfiber strand at substantially the same time as said injecting at saidone end, a second data signal at a second DWDM wavelength, wherein saidfirst and second DWDM wavelengths differ, and wherein said data signalsare in C-band wavelengths and under SFP+ protocols, whereby the firstand second data signals simultaneously traverse said bidirectional fiberstrand.
 15. The method for transmitting bidirectional signals across acommon fiber strand according to claim 14, wherein said data signalsadhere to an industry standard, said industry standard comprising anIEEE/ITU standard.
 16. The method for transmitting bidirectional signalsacross a common fiber strand according to claim 15, wherein said datasignals employ at least one layer protocol, said layer protocolconsisting of the set comprising Layer-2, Layer-3, Layer-4 andcombinations thereof.
 17. The method for transmitting bidirectionalsignals across a common fiber strand according to claim 14, furthercomprising: amplifying at least one amplifier, said at least oneamplifier conjoining two said bidirectional fiber strands, and boostingthe signal being transmitting therethrough.
 18. The method fortransmitting bidirectional signals across a common fiber strandaccording to claim 17, wherein said at least one amplifier is anErbium-doped fiber amplifier.
 19. The method for transmittingbidirectional signals across a common fiber strand according to claim14, wherein said bidirectional fiber strand is operable over a range ofdata transmission rates.
 20. The method for transmitting bidirectionalsignals across a common fiber strand according to claim 19, wherein saiddata transmission rates are selected from the group consisting of 10Gigabits/s, 40 Gigabits/s, 50 Gigabits/s, 100 Gigabits/s, and 200Gigabits/s.